As Sin single-handedly vanquished every last Orc, the adventurers stood before him, their gazes filled with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. They couldn't fathom the incredible feat they had just witnessed.
"What's going on here? How is it possible that a level 1 character managed to defeat not just one, but four level 15 monsters?" The sheer bewilderment and amazement in the voices of those witnessing this incredible feat were unmistakable. The idea of such a vast level gap being overcome left everyone perplexed and utterly astonished. Sin looked at them and said,
"You all. Erase any recollection of the events that transpired here. Return to your homes and pretend this event was unremarkable. I'll compensate you twofold for your silence. But be warned, should any of you betray my trust, I will personally ensure your demise." The words were delivered in a chilling, emotionless tone, leaving no room for doubt about the consequences of any potential breach of secrecy.
Upon Sin's utterance, his crimson Sharingan emitted an eerie radiance that bore down upon them with such intensity that they found themselves compelled to respond in unison, their voices synchronizing as they affirmed his request.
Subsequently, he departed from that location and commenced a mental search, scouring his memory for the way to return home.
Nevertheless, he rose to his feet and came to the realization that this youngster had never employed this route before. In frustration, he uttered a curse and cast a glance towards his rear.
He saw the adventures were coming out.
'Looks like I have to take help from them. However, it will be too embarrassing if I say that I do not know the way to return back after all that cool shit happened there.'
The adventurers were also taken aback to find him still standing there; they had assumed he had already departed. Sin then addressed them, saying,
"It might raise quite a few eyebrows if people spot us separated after we've ventured into the dungeon together. Therefore, we should make our way to the guild together as well."
The adventurers didn't utter a word in response; instead, they simply nodded in agreement. Sin was well-acquainted with the route from the guild to his residence, and there was a loyal servant awaiting his return. Thus, upon his return to the guild, he harbored no concerns or anxieties to return home.
During the carriage ride back to the guild, Sin inquired about the adventurers' names.
The leader of this team bears the name Rodrigedge, and he plays the crucial role of a tank in their group. Accompanying him are three other members: Indira, Luke, and Gerald. Notably, Indira stands out as the sole female member of the team, and her primary responsibility lies in the vital role of healing. However, she possesses a versatile skill set, extending beyond her healing abilities to include a solid grasp of basic combat techniques. Together, this diverse quartet forms a balanced and capable adventuring party, each contributing their unique strengths to overcome the challenges that await them.
He then told them,
"Excellent. Moving forward, your task will be to escort me to the dungeon. I am willing to compensate you generously, but I must emphasize the utmost importance of keeping my identity confidential. Do we have an understanding?"
He conveyed his message with a menacing tone, and in response, they nodded, signifying their comprehension of the situation. Meanwhile, Sin contemplated the necessity of companions in his dungeon expeditions, recognizing that it would contribute to his further growth and development. However, the paramount concern remained the need to conceal the inexplicable surge in his abilities from prying eyes, especially those in positions of power. The inherent risk of exposure loomed large, and Sin understood the potential negative consequences.
Consequently, he realized the imperative of crafting a plausible narrative to shield his newfound strength from scrutiny. The individuals currently privy to his abilities held valuable knowledge, and he intended to involve them in the fabrication of this deceptive tale when the time was right, sparing himself the introduction of new individuals into this intricate web of secrecy.
Indira inquired,
"Can you explain how you managed to conceal your level? We've never come across any mention of level hiding before. There have been rumors about an item that can do that, but they're often dismissed as mere myths."
"
"I am at level 1. There's no attempt on my part to conceal my abilities; I simply am at level 1, and that's the extent of it."
Sin provided a genuine response, though he couldn't help but question whether they would accept it as the truth.
Once they arrived back at the guild, the team leader, Rodrigedge, handled the situation with seamless composure, submitting the magic stones to the guild's buyer for sale as if the entire ordeal had been uneventful.
One of the servants rushed towards him, their breath labored and strained, and spoke,
"Young master, you've come back from the dungeon. I apologize, as I had anticipated it would take a bit longer, I went out to make a purchase. Please forgive me, I didn't mean to incur your displeasure."
Sin glanced at the servant, who was clearly trembling with fear, anticipating some form of retribution from Sin. However, in reality, Sin had completely forgotten about the servant once he stepped foot inside the guild, his attention wholly captivated by the ornate decorations adorning the building.
Sin nodded and said,
"Because my mood is good, I'll let it slide this time. But if you continue this from tomorrow, there will be serious repercussions."
Everyone was well aware of Sin's character. He had always been a pampered individual who consistently exhibited an arrogant demeanor, and he treated those of lower rank with harshness, regardless of their age. Therefore, no one was taken aback by his manner of speaking. On the contrary, the servant considered himself fortunate to have narrowly avoided trouble this time.
Yet, the four adventurers standing in the background took Sin's words to heart. They genuinely believed that he would inflict severe harm upon the servant if he happened to be tardy the following day. Sin, true to his word, then retrieved a pouch and handed over the double payment he had promised to the adventurers. Witnessing this, they couldn't help but acknowledge that beneath his arrogant and foul-mouthed exterior, there was an undeniable honesty.
Their satisfaction with the payment, which amounted to more than what they could typically earn in a month, left them feeling content. It was a nearly perfect arrangement for both parties, making the prospect of diving into the dungeon with Sin all the more appealing.
After Sin directed the servant to lead the way, the servant hurriedly fetched a horse-drawn carriage, reminiscent of transportation from the Middle Ages on Earth.
Upon their return to Sin's residence, as the servant was about to head in a different direction, Sin called out to him and offered a handful of coins as a gratuity. The servant was utterly astounded, his mouth agape in disbelief. He had never anticipated such a benevolent gesture from his master. In fact, this outing marked the first time Sin had ventured outside his home, so the concept of tipping his servant had never occurred to him before. Even Sin's good father had never bestowed such generosity upon him.
"Alright, there's no need to stare. You may leave now. Ensure you're prepared for tomorrow, and approach your work with sincerity," Sin instructed. The servant respectfully bowed and replied, "I understand, master. Have a good day."
With that, the servant walked away toward his designated duties, clearly uplifted by this unexpected gesture. This practice of providing financial rewards to his servants was a reflection of Sin, or rather, Johan's way of maintaining their spirits, a tradition he had carried with him from Earth, where he would generously tip his servants after extended outings.
His philosophy revolved around the belief that to receive exceptional service from his servants, one needed to treat them with kindness and respect, aiming for their dedication to reach 150%. This principle extended beyond just his domestic staff; he applied it to his interactions with coworkers, advocating humility in all relationships.
However, upon his return home, he faced a stern rebuke from his mother for lying about his whereabouts, claiming he had gone to the house of "Fatty Jack." To his dismay, Fatty Jack was, in fact, present in their house, unabashedly indulging in a meal with no concern for the world around him.
"Jack you fuc$er!!"
Sin cursed.